Certifications

As of late, I've seen allot of questions about certifications.
Is their a website review place for certifications, that anyone on this
list knows of?

I'm curious as to which certifications are recommended for entry level
stuff.
For example, in my opinion (although I lack any background to back this
up, this is all theoretical) A+ and Network+ should be the first
certifications someone should get in the IT field.
As much as I knew about computers, even the entry level certifications
(or easier certifications, to put in other words) teach a couple things
that the more advanced people may have overlooked. This would help entry
level people who have no idea what they want to be, get a starting
ground.

I've google'd around for about 15 minutes trying to find something
worthwhile.
If a website doesn't exists, I may consider starting one myself (if
anyone else if willing to help pitch in with their experience).
--------------------

Also, to my opinion you mention `This would help entry
level people who have no idea what they want to be` . The `To be` is
aggraving me , I would rather say `What they want to work with`. In this
starting point if you like working with systems like NT, Unix, Linux or else
then or if you like working with Networks like WAN, Mutli-Network
operations, Cisco routers, Micom Routers (Even if old routers), or if you
simply like working from the basic computers like Chips, Memory, Harddrives,
Cables, building computers.

From that point on, you can emphasize in which category you place yourself
and focus on the experience to get and then pin-point on a certification for
more knowledge accuracy.

My path was, yough age...was interested in computers...finished a computer
programming course..then got a job for computer Technician...then upgraded
to System Admin and Network Admin (Because I`ve learn at the same time when
i was a techie) for 5 years then another job working majoritarily with AIX
systems (as a System Admin and doing programming on them.)

I`m focusing on Telecommunication. Working with Networks. so you see here a
good path (from my view) and I`m confortable with it.

Network + and A+ are competent, entry level certifications. They provide a good foundation from which to build on. Net+ is focused on the network side (obviously), and A+ is geared toward the hardware and operating system side. So if you're interested in those topics start there. If you're interested in programming, database, etc, then look elsewhere. For instance, if you want to pursue networking, get both those certifications and then proceed to gain other more challenging certifications (ie. Cisco). Even if you did go onto Cisco certs, they themselves have "entry level" certifications. Depends on what you want to do. I know individuals who are excellent programmers, but doesn't know what a router does or how to install an operating system from scratch.

In reference to certifications, I came across a great school for various certifications including the entire MCP suite, the entire CISCO suite, as well as CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+, Security+) as well as quite a few others. The school is called The Training Camp, and it offers compressed courses (most are around 5-10 days. I've looked into it a lot and I think I'll be attending in the near future.
As far as which certifications are really beneficial, the last message posted pretty much hit the nail right on the head; CompTIA's certifications create a strong foundation, then whatever your personal prefence is from there, whether it may be striaght networking, security, harware, software, or a nework suite like Novell's NetWare. There are great certifications out there, they almost make a degree useless nowadays, although a degree of course is a good backbone to have.

I have done BSC(Computer Science) with first class.I have worked
for 1 year in a company as a sr. hardware engg.Now from last 6
months i am working in a pvt. ltd. company as a customer
support engg.I want to make my carrier in networking field,thats
why i joined a couse of networking.So i have gone through MCSE &
CCNA training & currently going through RHEL4 training.But yet
not certified a single exam.I want to leave my job now & do some
certifications.But i am unable to decide which side should i
choose Network admin or system admin or security.I want to know
which is having good scope & scale too & depend on that which
certifications should i do.Any body plz help me out.My course
includes CCSA & PIX training too.So i can go to security side
too.Plz help me to go ahead.
And also tell me that a PG degree is must to go high in our
field.I am only having a bachelar degree & experience.

hi hemant,
As you going an course as CCNA & MCSE. it's good for your futher .doing pg
for this field is not much helpful . plz go with Net Admin
side since you are studied CCNA & MCSE. do further in CCNA as CCNP. It
bring bright futher for you.

It is understandable that you want to study something that would help
you in your career. My suggestion is that you study what you are
interested in so that you will excel naturally in your chosen field.

> I have done BSC(Computer Science) with first class.I have worked
> for 1 year in a company as a sr. hardware engg.Now from last 6
> months i am working in a pvt. ltd. company as a customer
> support engg.I want to make my carrier in networking field,thats
> why i joined a couse of networking.So i have gone through MCSE &
> CCNA training & currently going through RHEL4 training.But yet
> not certified a single exam.I want to leave my job now & do some
> certifications.

> But i am unable to decide which side should i
> choose Network admin or system admin or security.I want to know
> which is having good scope & scale too & depend on that which
> certifications should i do.

Look at your strengths and then decide.

All areas have good opportunities for the right candidates.

> Any body plz help me out.My course
> includes CCSA & PIX training too.So i can go to security side
> too.Plz help me to go ahead.

You could also look at ITIL certifications.

> And also tell me that a PG degree is must to go high in our
> field.I am only having a bachelar degree & experience.

May not be necessary in the Technical Field but a must
in the management field.

Decide on which areas you enjoy and focus on that. You mentioned that you
went thru the CCNA and MCSE and have not yet written the exams. Given that
you have gone through the content of these, including RHEL4, decide which
YOU enjoy doing. There is scope for each of these areas, but you have to
decide which areas you could see yourself excelling in. It is possible you
may be inclined to certain areas rather than others.

You also have to think in the long term. Do you want to remain in the
technical field or do you also want some management experience and
training? IF you decide to do security there are other courses such as
CISSP which would help.

Best of luck
Tammy

>
>
> It is understandable that you want to study something that would help
> you in your career. My suggestion is that you study what you are
> interested in so that you will excel naturally in your chosen field.
>
>
> Best regards,
>
> Clarence U. Rivera
>

You wl surely get gud oppurtunities man...c network and sysadmin will
require some experience in the same filed.since u have done CCNA ,MSCE
and RHCE courses, u can either for CCNA or RHCE...fact is linux has
got market but entry level jobs are very less, the problem rite now i
am facing.i have done RHCE certification+BCA...but not getting offers
as expected......Certifications won't do much dats what i have
learnt...learn the technologies but be specialised in any one...i have
chosen Linux bcz i like it much better tahn windows but i am planning
to do CCNA +MCSA + SOLARIS courses, just to increase the skills.

It is understandable that you want to study something that would help
you in your career. My suggestion is that you study what you are
interested in so that you will excel naturally in your chosen field.

I have done BSC(Computer Science), MBA & working in Bahrain since 7 years as
a Systems Support Engineer (Air Traffic Controller Systems). My contract
might finish this year end. But actually, I didn't get good experience as
other should get in last 7 years (Because of support job)

I am interested to join in Linux System Support. Last year completed RHCT
but failed to pass RHCE.

Since not real experience in Linux, to find/switch the job is very
difficult.

So, At this situation, Which certifications (Network Admin or System Admin
or Security) should I do to get job after Dec-2006.

you should go for CCNA and MCSE 2003 as Windows knowledge is mandatory
at most of the places ... CCNA knowledge is required for WAN
technologies like Frame Relay , ISDN , switching theory , wan
protocols etc etc... of course , doing RHCE will be like a icing on
the cake as many companies are switching to Linux server these days.

Hi ,
First of all this is Sajal. I am an Electronics & Communication Engg. with
CCNA and RHCE. I would suggest you to first decide in which field yo want to
go. If you want to join systems you are welcome to the certifications world
of Linux or Windows depending upon your previous experience. See the thing
is after certifications also they are going to ask you how much experience
you have in that particular field. So do not go for just anything choose the
one in which field you have experience. Also decide what you want to be.

hi all,
I've been following the discussions with keen interest.
I've also just graduated with a BSc Computer Science two months ago. From
the begining of my 3rd year as an undergrad i i had industrial attachment
with an IT firm that specializes in Data, Voice and Video Networking. I've
been working with them since the3n anytime i'm on holidays and sometomes
when i'm in school. As of now, i've worked with them for 2 years and a
month.

Working with them, gave me a lot of experience in Structured CAbling, VoIP,
LAN, WLAN, WAN and customer support. I've played major roles in deploying
most of their projects. I also write a lot of Project Proposals and design
some of the networks we deploy. I've also configured quite a number of the
Servers and Routers in the networks we've deployed for our clinets.

Now that, i've completed my 4-year Bsc Computer Science, the CEO wanted to
hire my services as the Company's project officer. The CEO asked how much i
woud want to be paid. I'm in dilemma and needed your held.

Then company is in Ghana, west Africa. I took personal lessons in A+,
Network,CCNA , MCSE (Win 2k and 2k3 Servers) and Linux but havent written
any of the certification Exams due to lack of funds.

With the above information how much do u think i'm worth as a project
officer

debnathsajal via networking-career wrote:
>
>
> Hi ,
> First of all this is Sajal. I am an Electronics & Communication Engg. with
> CCNA and RHCE. I would suggest you to first decide in which field yo want to
> go. If you want to join systems you are welcome to the certifications world
> of Linux or Windows depending upon your previous experience. See the thing
> is after certifications also they are going to ask you how much experience
> you have in that particular field. So do not go for just anything choose the
> one in which field you have experience. Also decide what you want to be.
>
> Best of Luck
>
> Sajal
>

Guys, I am new to IT and have been working at a help desk for 8 months. I have learned a lot on my own and have a basic understanding of: TCP/IP, OSI,topologies, switches ect... I would like to take some classes or get
some certifications so I can obtain a higher paying/responsibility position in IT. My current job is only 20 hrs/week. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks.

Guys, I am new to IT and have
been working at a help desk for 8 months. I have learned a lot on my own a
nd have a basic understanding of: TCP/IP, OSI,topologies, switches ect... I
would like to take some classes or get
some certifications so I can obta
in a higher paying/responsibility position in IT. My current job is only 20
hrs/week. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks.

MCSE is a good place to start for Administration in a
Windows environment as
well as CCNA for networking in general. You can do a
search online to try to
find a school closest to you that offers these courses
at a good price. The
more hands on you have the better. I don't know if
you'd prefer going to
school strictly online but these are certs available onlin
e as well - you
just need to back them up with some simulations. Good
Luck!